"What the hell did I say? Get your hulking mass away from me before you crush me!" Grippli Ranger stumbled to avoid the massive body of his comrade.
"Then you should get the hell out of my way! Small fry like you should stay in the back where you won't be a nuisance." Armor Piercer sneered as he purposely snapped the pincers on his lower scorpion half at the frogman.
Within the dining area, the groups continued their bickering as they had outside; Half-Dragon Priestess was at first confused by their actions but soon found herself growing more annoyed by their needless fighting. She watched as Harpy Scout and Rabbitfolk Warrior glared at one another with Saber Rider off to the side looking at the women confused by their actions. Even Fang and Specter were acting strange was they respectively hissed and snarled at each other and then at others near them.
"Cease your useless shouting! Every word coming out of your mouth is causing my head to hurt." Tortle Master groaned as he placed both hands on either side of his head.
"Damn that bunch is quite noisy. If this is how they act when they're upset, I'm afraid to see what they will do in a real fight." Wolf Brawler frowned watching the other adventurers argue but was then bumped by something behind her. "What the hell? Watch where you are going!"
"I would suggest you not stand there when others are trying to walk about…Padfoot." Padfoot Monk had a scowl as he moved past the small padfoot to get to his destination.
He moved towards the large open window that led to the kitchen, there the cooks were hard at work making food for the noisy adventurers, all the while smiling as they had before.
"I already told you the name is Brawler. I assumed you were only blind, not deaf as well." Wolf Brawler fumed at the monk's pettiness. "I'm guessing your blindness is what caused you to bump into me. No need to be so proud, I'd be more than happy to help out the helpless."
"I am far from helpless you…"
There was a sudden flare up of flames from within the kitchen as the cook went about roasting the meat. The quick burst of flames from within the kitchen caused Padfoot Monk to pause momentarily. The smug expression on Wolf Brawler's face was gone as she frowned while watching the confused look around.
"I…what was I talking about…I remember being upset at Brawler but can't remember…"
"Hey! What the hell are you doing just standing around there like a damn idiot!" Wolf Brawler crossed her arms while glaring at her comrade.
Padfoot Monk was still a bit confused but soon his frustration returned and he was quick to retrieve his food and made his way back to the table.
"You are quite the rude one indeed. I can see that your boastful nature is only to compensate for your short stature."
"Don't you dare look down on me!"
Eventually, the two groups settled down to eat their meal though the tension between the groups was so thick one could cut it with a sword. At some point, Saber Rider groaned while eating as he placed a hand on the left side of his cheek.
"What's wrong with you?" Half-Dragon Priestess looked toward her comrade with a frown.
"Spot on face hurt where Pretty Bird hit me earlier."
Harpy Scout spared a quick glance toward Saber Rider before going back to her meal, but there was no indication on her face that she was remorseful.
"She act weird. Say many hurtful words. I have medicine that good for easing pain, I can put on your face." Rabbitfolk Warrior moved her hands to the small pouch on her right side to retrieve the ointment she had received from her people before leaving.
Harpy Scout immediately stood and pushed Rabbitfolk Warrior's plate of food forward, the content splattered against her leather corset which caused the Rabbitfolk girl to stand and look down at the mess upon her clothing before glaring at the harpy. The table had fallen completely silent as everyone forgot about their own petty squabbles to look at their comrades.
"Don't you dare get friendly with him!"
"Scout been rude all day! I no longer have any patience."
The girls moved away from the table as the rest of their comrades stood to join their friends, but whether it was to join in the fight or stop them was unknown to the others in the tavern.
"I tired of your attitude." Rabbitfolk Warrior moved her hand behind her back to reach for her short sword. "Time I put you in your place."
"Oh, I've been waiting for this." Harpy Scout knew she would not be able to use her bow so she moved for her twin daggers. "I teach you not to "whore" around in such an outfit."
"I not whore! You the one who went and mated with man same night you yell at him." Rabbitfolk Warrior drew out her sword and scabbard only to toss them aside. "I not need weapons to prove I better."
Harpy Scout had her hands on her daggers when she saw this, there was an initial sense of hesitation but she drew out her daggers and tossed them aside as well.
"I don't need my weapons to show you who is the better woman for Rider. Like I told you, he is my mate, not yours!" Harpy Scout raised her fists up, silently cursing the change to unarmed combat. "Damn. I never really learned how to fight without my weapons. Stupid rabbit slut hopes she can show me up with muscle power, but I won't let that happen."
The others were both worried and annoyed by the actions of their comrades who both raised their hands to fight. Harpy Scout was cautious and watched Rabbitfolk Warrior before throwing a punch forward, only for the more agile fighter to quickly back away and countered. Harpy Scout was struck across the left side of her face and immediately fell to the ground with Rabbitfolk Warrior looming over her.
"Maybe now you learn to shut your mouth. Also, you need to learn to fi…AHHH!"
Harpy Scout suddenly kicked her tridactyl feet forward, the sharp talons on her feet cutting at Rabbitfolk Warrior's exposed legs. The Rabbitfolk hissed as she took a step back, placing a hand over her injury, thankfully it was only a superficial wound.
"I may not know how to fight properly, but I'm not above cheating." Harpy Scout sat up; the left side of her face was bruised as she looked at the other woman. "What do you have to say to that?"
"You coward."
Harpy Scout was quick to rise as she readied to attack the woman but was quickly held back by Half-Dragon Priestess. Rabbitfolk Warrior too was eager to continue her battle with the harpy but Armor Piercer took hold of her and pulled her away from the fight. Both groups stood by their respective comrade as the two women cursed and readied to lash out at one another.
"Let me go! This bitch has it coming!" Harpy Scout continued to scream as she swiped her arms to reach for Rabbitfolk Warrior.
"Stupid girl weak! Let me finish her!" Rabbitfolk Warrior also tried to break free but her comrade would not release her.
"That's enough! You don't need to prove anything else." Tortle Master stood before the Rabbitfolk and smacked the side of her head. "If you continue in this manner it will be an embarrassment for us."
Rabbitfolk Warrior growled but soon took in a deep breath and sighed as she understood what he meant even if she didn't like the idea. She stopped her thrashing and was released by Armor Piercer as the group looked toward Half-Dragon Priestess and the still flailing Harpy Scout.
"Scout that's enough! This fight is over!"
"Let me go damn it! I'm not finished!"
"I SAID ENOUGH!"
Half-Dragon Priestess's eyes narrowed as she used her dragon strength to push Harpy Scout down to her knees. The harpy let out a quick cry from the pain of being pushed down and the vice-like grip her friend applied to hold her down. She turned her head back to see the glare present on her friend's face; the rest of her party was just as surprised by this new expression.
"You will listen to what I say. As the leader of this group, I will not have you acting in such a manner."
"…I never agreed to you as leader of this party…"
Half-Dragon Priestess continued to glare at her friend, a quick glance around and she could see the doubt on her colleague's faces. She would have to do something otherwise they might get the idea in their head to challenge her. With a growl, she violently tossed Harpy Scout to the side before looming over her.
"She's questioning your authority…make an example of her…"
"You'd best watch your mouth. I will not hesitate for a moment to kill you if you are to become a hindrance to this group."
"I'd like to see you try." Harpy Scout dusted off her clothing as she got back to her feet to glare back at her friend.
"Very well. We shall battle in the morning for control of this group."
"I'm ready to go right now. Are you that afraid of me…dragon?"
"I'd want you to rest and be at full strength, that way when you die, you'll know where you stood." The scowl on Half-Dragon Priestess's face changed to that of a smirk as she studied the harpy. "You better show me what you can really do, fighting dirty won't be enough to bring me down."
"Oh don't you worry. I plan to do what the Dragon executioner could not… I'm going to kill you."
The groups watched over one another, none of them really trusting anyone as they expected the two women to begin fighting immediately. What they had all failed to notice was the expressions on the faces of the villagers who joined them in the tavern; every one of them had a calm look on their faces as they watched the adventurers argue; it was almost as if they were simply waiting for the two groups to kill one another.
xxxx
Sword Maiden, Hero and her party looked over the remains of the burnt-out village. corpses of those who tried to resist were strewn across the grounds as flies buzzed over their rotting bodies. The women had met with the King briefly to see what information he had about the agents of chaos who had attacked the village.
"From what my scouts have told me, there is a tower deep within the woods in which a female spellcaster resides. Reports claim that minions of the spellcaster have been abducting travelers on the road, but may have now recently targeted nearby villages for potential sacrifices."
"Awful. This is truly awful." Sage calmly examined the village, a frown present as she looked down at the burnt bodies of a mother and child. "The bodies are burnt, but I can see the slash marks along their back. Killed first then left to burn in the village."
"The cowards made sure to go for the village furthest from the Capital. Scared of drawing the attention of the knights who can better defend themselves." Sword Saint looked towards the bodies at her feet seeing simple farming tools and kitchen knives.
"Supreme God, please take the souls of these victims and guide them to a better place." Sword Maiden finished her prayers and stood back up to join the others. "I do not sense any living beings other than ourselves, please tell me that I am mistaken."
"Unfortunately no. If there were any survivors, they were taken away." Hero scanned the ground, carefully examining the indentions in the ground until she found what she was looking for. "Here. Wheel marks. At least one wagon or cart. Looks like they're heading into the forest!"
The others joined Hero as she drew out her sword while facing the dark woods ahead of her; off in the distance she could see the top of the black tower.
"Do you think there is still a chance that the captives are alive?" Sage looked toward the top of the trees, barely able to make out the top of the tower.
"Unknown, but I do know the longer we take, the less likely we'll be able to save them." Sword Saint drew out her weapon and readied herself to fight whatever might be lurking in the dark woods.
"Saint is quite correct. We must make haste but be cautious. We don't know the full extent of the magic user or how she is connected to the minions of chaos and evil." Sword Maiden could sense the ominous aura of the tower off in the distance.
"Let's hurry then. A Hero's work is never done!"
Hero charged ahead of the group quickly followed by Sword Saint, Sage and Sword maiden right behind her. To the surprise of the others, Sword Maiden could easily keep up with them despite the rough terrain in the woods.
"It still amazes me that you can move around with that cloth wrapped around your eyes. You sure your blind?" Hero smirked as she rushed forward but spared a quick glance back to see Sword Maiden following behind them.
"Partially blind, not completely. I also had to learn to move when traveling through the dungeons with my party members. When faced with a dire situation, it would not do me any good to just walk away from the danger."
"That makes sense. I'm still used to seeing you as the Archbishop, someone who was more of a supportive or mentor role." Sword Saint had a visible smirk as she followed behind her energetic leader.
"Former Archbishop, I gave that up when I got married. That means I can no longer lead such a comfy life as before."
"If by "comfy" you mean helping us in the Astral Plain against Slayer and traveling the countryside to stop the Necromancer, then yes…I'm sure that this new lifestyle must be much more difficult." The sarcasm in Sage's voice ever-present with the small smirk that followed.
"Truth be told, the life of an adventurer and adventurer's wife is far more exciting and rewarding than my five years in Water Town."
"That said, when do you two plan on settling down and finding a good man of yours?" Hero looked toward Sage and Sword Saint with a smile, this was not their first conversation and probably not their last.
"Ha! I only plan to marry someone who can best me in combat!" Sword Saint paused as she had a proud smirk on her face while standing by a nearby tree.
"Guess that means you'll be alone forever then." Hero could not help but laugh at her own joke.
"Mock all you want, it's only a matter of time until I find the right one."
"I personally plan to continue my magic knowledge until I finally feel I have reached the proper level to retire." Sage smiled as took the chance to catch her breath while resting under the tree.
"If you plan to wait until you retire, you might end up an old woman by then…with only old men to choose from."
"Oh you be quiet! Besides, as the Hero of the world, shouldn't you be more focused on saving the world rather than giving out romantic advice?" Sage raised an eyebrow as she looked toward their young leader.
"Especially when that advice is based on her falling in love with someone she first met as a child and then insulted upon meeting again." Sword Saint smirked as she too joined in with the teasing of her friend.
"I wasn't insulting him, just questioning why he would ally himself with a demon." Hero crossed her arms and turned her head as she did not want to face her friends. "And now she is a fellow sister in my husband's harem. Never would have seen that coming."
"Enough teasing you all. We've had a good rest but must get back to the task at hand." Sword Maiden looked ahead toward the woods with a small frown. "I do not sense any movement ahead of us other than the local wildlife, but I can feel great evil as we near the tower."
"As to be expected. A wizard who can control minds and may have sacrificed the villagers in a ritual for the Demon Lord." Hero too frowned as she tightened her grip on her sword before charging forward. "We must hurry and end this evil."
The others followed behind Hero; after several minutes of running the group finally reached the lone grey tower. Secluded in the clearing and surrounded by dark woods all around it, the lone spire shot up toward the sky. Not a single window was present, the only entry point was a large semicircular doorway near the bottom of the tower.
"I imagine this was once a guard post from the age of the gods. Now it is a forgotten structure, home to those who would use it for their own purposes." Sage looked over the structure carefully checking for hidden threats.
"Quite correct." Sword Maiden looked left and right before turning her attention back towards the tower. "Strange. No guards. No monsters around the tower. Everything is inside the structure."
"That could mean two things: either this spellcaster naïvely never expected anyone to come to the tower or whatever is within the tower is strong enough to keep intruders away." Sword Saint drew out her blade in readiness for the attack.
"Then I'd hate to disappoint this servant of chaos. We're ending this evil now and saving as many people as possible!"
With Hero's bold proclamation, she rushed toward the door and with a single slash of her sword, reduced it to nothing but splinters; Hero was the first to enter the tower, but the others quickly followed her lead. Inside they could see various torches lining the side of the walls and a staircase that curved around the room leading further up the tower.
"One…two…three…I count five levels to this tower. You think we'll have to deal with some monstrosity on each level?" Sword Saint let out a grunt of annoyance as she imagined having to deal with annoyance after annoyance on each level.
"I would imagine that to be the case. Wait I hear something!"
The others tensed up as they heard Sword Maiden's warnings, little by little they could hear what sounded like chanting. Upon the first level were several people, from the clothing they wore they appeared to be just normal villagers but each one was armed with a weapon.
"What the...? They look like ordinary people, not a single one wearing any armor." Sword Saint momentarily lowered her weapons as she looked toward the people overhead.
"Look at their eyes Saint and hear them chanting, these must be the slaves controlled by the spellcaster." Sage cautiously looked at the dozen or so people around them when she then heard the scream of a child. "What was that? I don't see any children with them!"
"There must be more captives further up the tower. This spellcaster is a coward using these poor people as her living weapons." Hero could feel her anger growing as she imagined these people being used to slaughter their neighbors back in the village. "Show yourself you coward!"
The chanting stopped and moments later, the approaching footsteps echoed in the tower as a figure approached the banister n the second level.
"Annoying. You adventurers sure know how to bother someone at the most crucial of times."
The figure was a young woman, perhaps as old if not a bit older than Sword Maiden. Her long brown hair cascaded down to the middle of her back, her small frame covered in a blue and red gown that hid her leather boots.
"I don't have time for your…wait!" The spellcaster looked down at the group and her shocked face soon turned toward one of joy. "Praise the Dark Gods above, it is the Hero and Sword Maiden in my presence!"
The party below was confused by her reaction, this woman who at first had been bothered by their intrusion now seemed jovial. Hero could see light reflecting from something around her neck and as she squinted her eyes gasped at the sight of a bronze tag dangling from her neck.
"What the hell…you're an adventurer!"
"An acknowledgment from the famous Hero! What a joyous moment indeed."
"Why are you here? Are you all under the influence of the one in control of this tower?" Sword Maiden had a visible frown as she wished to know the purpose of this adventurer. "Strange. If she is under the magical influence of a minion of Chaos, why is her shadow so dark?"
"And now the Sword Maiden speaks to me…today is going to be a fantastic day." Corrupted Spellcaster closed her eyes and took in a deep breath before exhaling. "Sorry, a bit over-excited. I appreciate your concern, but no, I am not like these puppets. I am the puppet master!"
"What! But…but you have an adventurer's tag. You're an adventurer like us!"
Hero and the rest of her comrades were all shocked by this woman's response and smiled as she looked down upon them. Unlike the Necromancer, who had a condescending smile as he sought to show them how superior he was, this woman seemed genuinely delighted to see them.
"Yes. I was an adventurer back in the day, even managed to reach the rank of bronze by the time Sword Maiden how defeated the Demon Lord. It was so exciting!" Corrupted Spellcaster looked toward the group with a large smile. "So I got to thinking…what's the best way to meet someone so famous? Become a villain! By siding with the forces of chaos, I'd eventually get the chance to battle against Sword Maiden."
"You…you became an acolyte of evil just to meet one of the Legendary Heroes? Are you insane!" Sword Saint could not hold back her anger upon hearing such a ridiculous reason to turn their back on humanity.
"Oh I assure you, I am quite sane, I just had a great desire to meet someone who inspired me to do more. Working as an agent of order is too limiting, so by going down the path of darkness, I learned new abilities that would put me on an even playing field with Sword Maiden. The Demon Lord Generals were quite skeptical of my wishing to join them, they would not allow me a true position of power but would allow me to use my magic to aid them. That is until a new hero arrived."
"I am not sorry to have disappointed you." Hero had a scowl as she looked toward the insane woman staring back at them.
"Disappointed? Why would I be disappointed? I am able to meet two of the strongest, most capable people in the world! Then you both worked together to beat the Necromancer and saved the world again!" Corrupted Spellcaster walked side to side as she went on listing the great accomplishments of the two. "Although I was surprised to find that a single man somehow managed to conquer your heart. Wait…is he here too? Is Goblin Slayer here as well?"
"No. I would not allow my husband to meet someone as twisted as you." Sword Maiden was stern in her reply as she slammed her sword and scales along the ground.
"Nor would I."
"That's a shame. However, I will not waste this opportunity. I can test my abilities against the two of you and when I kill you…the Demon Lord will know my worth." Corrupted Spellcaster brought her hands together and gave two quick claps. "My puppets! Bring out the golem."
Four of the mind-controlled beings nodded their heads and moved in pairs of two towards large steel wheels along the wall; the puppets turned the wheels moving the heavy chains connected to them. Sword Maiden and the others could feel the floor beneath them shaking, a quick look at their feet and they could see the center floor opening up, only for them to be hit with a foul stench. The four back away, covering their mouths as the smell of rotten meat and human waste wafting upwards. As the puppets continued to turn the wheels, something seemed to be coming up from the hole in the ground. With every turn, more of the creature emerged, a creature made of stone with spiked metal plates along its body. Upon the spikes were the mangled bodies of humans, blood and entrails were strewn across its body as its clawed hands nearly reached the floor. The 12-foot beast looked toward the women, its glowing green eyes carefully studying them before taking a step forward, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
"What in the name of the gods is that?" Sword Saint looked at the figure that was easily twice her size.
"That would be a Cadaver Collector. As the name suggests, it gathers the bodies of the dead who have been killed to use for my blood sacrifice to the Demon Lord." Corrupted Spellcaster covered her mouth, the stench was quite overpowering but was eager to see them fight her golem. "Now, if you would be so kind, show me what heroes of legend can do!"
xxxx
"I hope you're ready for this. I'll at least be gracious enough to let your mother know that it was I who killed you."
"You seem to be under the impression that you can beat me., that is a mistake on your part. It will be I who laments to your mother how you died to your own stupidity."
Breakfast was short for the two parties as Half-Dragon Priestess and Harpy Scout were the first ones out of the tavern but were quickly followed by the others. They quickly found a large open space near the edge of the village where the two girls stood away from one another. Half-Dragon Priestess readied her steel blade while Harpy Scout had an arrow ready to fire off at her former friend. Rabbitfolk Warrior and her party did not care who won this battle, so long as it was enjoyable to watch. On the other hand, The other three looked on to see who would take lead and after this battle, would the victor need to be replaced so that an effective leader could be selected.
Harpy Scout would not hesitate as she fired an arrow and followed with a second one almost immediately. Half-Dragon Priestess rushed in, her reptilian eyes narrowed as she easily slashed the first arrow out of the sky and the second, quickly closing the gap between her and Scout. Harpy Scout's eyes widened as she saw Priestess drawing closer, ready to cut her in two with a mere swipe of her blade, and quickly gave a flap of her wings. Harpy Scout took to the sky as Half-Dragon Priestess cut the air where she had been a few moments ago.
"Do you really think I'd stand still and let you cut me down?"
Harpy Scout once again fired three arrows and watched as her comrade backed away as they struck the ground, a small smile present on her face watching Priestess retreat.
"You fail to realize that you aren't the only one with wings!"
Priestess too opened her wings and was quick to follow after her comrade, if she could not kill her on the ground she would kill her in the sky. Harpy Scout was once again surprised by her comrade's sudden movements and knew a bow would be useless as she allowed it to drop and moved for her dagger. The two blades struck with Harpy Scout being forced back by the strength of her Priestess's blow. Priestess rushed in again and repeated the same attack before flying in and taking hold of Scout's right shoulder with her free hand.
"Learn your place!" Half-Dragon Priestess moved her head back and smashed it into Scout's forehead leaving a large mark.
"D, damn you!" Harpy Scout gave a quick slash of her dagger across Priestess's stomach, delivering a medium size cut.
Half-Dragon Priestess hissed in pain before flinging Harpy Scout downward; she gave a quick inspection of the wound on her stomach, though the blood was running down her scales the injury was superficial. Harpy Scout struggled to regain her position in the air and eventually hit the ground rolled a few feet from her bow. Half-Dragon Priestess descended and looked at her still recovering comrade, she would not hesitate and finish this battle quickly.
"Time to put an end to this. I'm truly sorry it had to come to this."
Half-Dragon Priestess took in a deep breath before discharging a massive wave of fire, thankfully Harpy Scout rolled forward to avoid being roasted alive though she could feel the intense heat directly over her. Harpy Scout reached for her bow, intending to strike Priestess across the face the moment she stopped her fire attack but stop. With the flames gone, Half-Dragon Priestess and Harpy Scout stopped themselves from fighting as they looked at one another with confused expressions.
"Scout what…I'm sorry, I couldn't stop myself."
"No. I too was acting odd. What stopped us?"
"Strange, just a moment ago we were both fighting. I do remember hearing a voice in the back of my mind, pushing me to fight but why did my flame suddenly snap us out of it?" Half-Dragon Priestess tried to think about the situation when she could smell something burning in the air. "What's this smell?"
Half-Dragon Priestess looked upward and held out her hand; she was surprised to find blackened soot landing upon her hand and what looked like purple dust collecting as well. Half-Dragon Priestess looked upward and breathed her fire once again, with the flames gone she once again could smell the burnt odor once again.
"That's it!"
"What? Did you find the source?" Harpy Scout saw her friend breathe her fire once again.
"What's the holdup? I thought you were going to fight to the death!" Armor Piercer looked toward the two of them with a glare present as he stood there with arms crossed.
Half-Dragon Priestess then looked toward her friends and could see the scowls present on their faces; they were still under the effect of this strange purple dust. She once again took in a deep breath and laughed her flames at the air above her friends and comrades moving her head left and right to cover the wide range around them. All of them ducked their heads, initially angry that she had chosen to attack them but in mere moments felt that anger vanish.
"What…what we fighting about?" Rabbitfolk Warrior looked around confused as to why she was fighting or feeling angry at the others.
"I'm not sure. I only remember a voice telling me to be distrustful of the others." Padfoot Monk gave his head a shake as if to clear the fog within his mind then looked back to Half-Dragon Priestess. "Priestess, you have my thanks for aiding us."
"Don't thank me yet. We're still in danger." Half-Dragon Priestess looked toward her right and could see the villagers gathered in a large number, calmly staring back at them. "We need to leave this village immediately!"
Everyone could see the villagers surrounding them, though unarmed there were several dozen of them all looking toward them. With a moment of hesitation, the group rushed in the opposite direction of the crowd quickly jumping over the small fence that surrounded the village. Armor Piercer helped the larger Tortle Master over the fence as it would take too long for him to climb over on his own. The villagers looked with a calm expression as the group of adventurers disappeared into the thick forest.
"It matters not, if they return they shall be dealt with…for now, I hunger…"
The villagers turned and walked away from the spot where the villagers had been and continued with their everyday activities while a select few moved towards a large set of doors that seemed to go to a cellar beneath the largest building in the village.
xxxx
"I think we've gone far enough now. There doesn't seem to be anyone following us." Grippli Ranger leaned by a nearby tree to catch his breath while glancing for any approaching threats.
The rest of the party followed his lead and went about trying to catch their breath, off to the side Was Half-Dragon Priestess spewing out small puffs of fire while scanning the air around them.
"Hey Warrior…I'm really sorry for my behavior." Harpy Scout could clearly remember all she had done since yesterday. "You to Rider. I shouldn't have been acting in such a childish manner."
"It alright. You not really hurt me. I not try to take your mate."
"Pretty Bird no need apologize. No one able to think properly since been in the village."
"You're not the only one who said or did things that you regret." Wolf Brawler frowned as she remembered being rude and disrespectful to Padfoot Monk.
"That said. Priestess I'm sorry about cutting you earlier."
"It's quite alright. I was pretty rough in my fight with you as well. I was even ready to kill you without any regret." Half-Dragon Priestess confident that there was no more dust in the air looked back toward her friends. "I've already used refresh to tend to my injury, so no scar will be visible. I think we'll be safe now."
"What Lizard Girl doing? Why you keep making fire in the air?" Saber Rider went to pet Fang who lay beside him.
"To make sure none of the dust was in the air." Half-Dragon Priestess took out a rag from her pouch and wiped her hand with it, revealing not only the black soot but fine purple dust.
"What is that? Some kind of powder?" Harpy Scout looked at the purplish dust curiously.
"Not sure, but the moment I unleashed my flames, whatever was in the air, whatever we had breathed in was now gone. That's the reason I kept using my flames, not sure how far this substance has spread." Half-Dragon Priestess moved closer so the others could study the residue on the rag.
"Priestess, may I see that rag for a moment?" Padfoot Monk held out a free hand towards his comrade then turned his head toward Wolf Brawler. "Hun…Brawler would you…"
"Hey, you've been calling me Huntress for so long, so why stop now. That…that other person was this dust talking. And of course, I'll help you out." Wolf Brawler offered a warm smile as she nodded her head.
"You have my thanks."
Padfoot Monk took hold of the rag and from a safe distance took in the scent of the dust as did Wolf Brawler. Once finished, Padfoot Monk passed the rag back to Half-Dragon Priestess before placing his right fist near the side of his head.
"Did you perchance discover something about the dust?" Tortle Master was also intrigued by the dust that could control them.
"Huntress, can you describe the color of the dust to me?"
"No problem. It is purplish dust, and the smell seems a bit familiar but different if that makes any sense. I'd say it almost remind me of a mushroom."
"Correct, or rather, it is something like a mushroom. The smell we're both detecting is caused by a fungus."
"Fungus!" All party members were shocked by the discovery Padfoot Monk had made.
"Yes. What worries me is this dust is how controlling people. There was too much of it in the air for a simple spellcaster, no something must be creating these spores."
"So let me see if I got this. We have something, a living something, creating this dust which is practically unseen, and as people are breathing it in, they fall under the influence of this creature?" Harpy Scout listed off everything she gathered from the conversation.
"Yes. But what kind of creature can produce this much dust. I didn't sense anything around us, nothing hiding in the buildings anyways." Padfoot Monk gave his head a shake as he tried to think of all possible sources.
"If fungus is the cause of this dust, or rather the spores were seeing, then it is possible the Fungus People may be involved." Tortle Master offered his expertise on people the rest of the adventurers might not be familiar with.
"Tortle Master know of mushroom people?" Rabbitfolk Warrior looked toward her comrade and mentor with a surprised look on her face.
"Oh yes. This world is quite large and you'll come across many unique individuals. The Fungus Men or Myconids as they prefer to be called dwell in the deep underground in the forests."
"So we find these mushroom men, beat them, and village safe? Good, I not like waiting around. Where we start?" Saber Rider already standing as he took hold of his mace and axe.
"There must be some spot somewhere within the forest where they are located but there is still something that is bothering me."
"What's that?" Half-Dragon Priestess looked toward Tortle Master inquisitively.
"The Myconids are not known to be violent or act with ill will towards others. They only act in defense when they are threatened."
"Then maybe the village pushed them to act this way, but we won't know until we've confronted them." Half-Dragon Priestess was determined to put an end to his heresy and looked toward Saber Rider. "Rider, we need a tracker. You know the forest well, where might we find large mushrooms?"
"Hmm. Need find spot where it cool and damp, that where we find large mushrooms."
The group followed behind Saber Rider and Fang as they moved further into the woods. It was after about twenty minutes of moving through the densely packed woods that they came across dozens of mushrooms, some as a person's hand.
"Okay so we found mushrooms, but I'm not seeing any of these Fungus Men." Armor Piercer looked around with lance ready to defend himself.
"Remember what Master said, they live underground. There must be some kind of entrance around here, just have to find it." Grippli Ranger looked to the ground searching for some large hole where they could enter.
The others followed Ranger and carefully looked around the area with Padfoot Monk pausing as tilted his head to the side. With staff in hand, he hit it against the ground he was standing and could hear a faint echo, the floor seemed hollow compared to where he had been standing a few minutes ago. He tapped the ground again, this time tilting his head to the left as the echo could be heard through his twitching ears.
"I've found it."
Padfoot Monk walked forward tapping the bottom of his staff along the ground until he came upon a large boulder.
"Here, beneath this boulder is a hollow cavern. Armor Piercer, could I ask for your strength in moving this stone?"
"Nothing to it."
Armor Pierced put his lance away to use his pincer and arms to take hold of the massive stone and shift it off toward the right. With the stone out of the way, the group could see a large hole beneath the space leading to a tunnel.
"I think we found our tunnel. So we going in?" Harpy Scout looked toward her friend with a small smirk.
"No doubt about that."
"The entrance might be a bit too small for me, unfortunately. I'll stand guard up here with the beasts while you all investigate." Armor Piercer had a weak smile as he looked down at his massive frame.
"Thank you, I appreciate that. Specter, you make sure to help keep him safe."
"Fang, you and Talon also watch back of giant Bug Man. We find mushroom people and eat them."
"Wait, we eat or beat them?" Rabbitfolk was confused as to what how they should fight these men.
"We are not eating anyone!" Half-Dragon Priestess sighed as she placed a hand over her eyes. "Rider, these men are Fungus, not mushrooms. They…they are poisonous so no eating!"
"Oh that bad. Ate bad mushrooms one time. Make me sick. I end up pooping a lot."
"Thank you for such a wonderful description Rider. So same thing, no eat Fung…Mushroom Men." Harpy Scout forced a smile before whispering to Priestess. "Thank you for coming up with that excuse."
"Of course." Half-Dragon Priestess nodded then looked to the group with a determined look. "I'm going to go first and use my flames to remove any more of the spores in the air."
Half-Dragon Priestess jumped down into the hole, carefully examining the tunnel for any signs of life but saw nothing. She took in a deep breath and created a quick burst of fire to her right and then to her left, even then there was no signs of movement. The rest of the party joined her one at a time until Armor Piercer and the animals were the last to stand watch. What they had not noticed was what appeared to be smaller boulders nearby were beginning to move. These lumpy rocks were actually the tops of the myconids he raised their heads up to examine the figure with the yellow eyes.
Down in the tunnels, the rest of the group carefully moved forward with Wolf Brawler and Tortle master carrying torches to help light the way. The tunnel seemed to go on forever with no end in sight, every now and then the group would check behind them for a potential ambush but had still not seen any of the myconids. For Half-Dragon Priestess and her comrades, the closeness of the tunnels reminded her of the goblin cave they had crashed into when being chased by the Dragon Executioner.
"Hopefully we don't run into any goblins or hobs while down here, but for that matter where are the Myconids? We should have at least run into one of them by now." Half-Dragon Priestess came to an abrupt halt as she came upon a section where the tunnel branched off into three different directions. "Looks like the tunnel separates here. We may need to split up but should be ever cautious."
"Then we should be sure to keep our voices down so as to avoid attracting attention." Padfoot Monk was silent as he thought carefully how they could communicate should they be unable to speak directly. "Do many of you know how to use hand signals to communicate when needing to remain silent?"
"Oh, I know of hand signals Dog Face, dwarves help teach me!"
The ever-loud Saber Rider was quick to communicate with his hands before the others could tell him to lower his voice. With his right hand he pointed to his face, then used it to cover his mouth, then with both hands made a wide circle before slapping his stomach with his left hand. There was silence from the others as they looked toward him, many of them unsure what he was doing and if any of that actually translated into a language people could understand.
"What did he motion? I do not have the luxury of seeing his hand gestures." Padfoot Monk was confused by the silence of his comrades.
"I hungry. Want lot of food."
The party looked toward Rabbitfolk Warrior, shocked that she had come to that conclusion based on what Saber Rider had done. Saber Rider gave a loud cheer as he moved toward Rabbitfolk Warrior before the two bumped their fists into one another then slapped each on the right shoulder with a laugh.
"How the hell did you get that from those hand gestures?" Harpy Scout sighed in defeat as she watched the two laugh. "Relax. The two are similar but no more misunderstandings. He already promised himself to me."
"You two idiots are being way too loud you'll…end up…attracting…attention?"
Grippli Ranger wanted to admonish the two more but soon noticed several tall figures with oddly shaped heads surrounding them with spears, clubs, and stone axes. Each figure appears to resemble a plant with a wide range of colors for its skin from purple to green to brown. Half-Dragon Priestess and the others had failed to notice their approach as they all tensed up waiting for the incoming attack.
"Frog Man too loud. Bring Mushroom Men." Saber Rider frowned as he looked toward the tall plant-like figures ready to attack.
"Need to learn hand signals. Help talk when you no can talk." Rabbitfolk Warrior readied her short sword as she moved closer toward her comrades.
"Assuming we make it through this, I've got a hand signal for the two of you."
